Multi-piece dispenser for use with a consumable product

ABSTRACT

A multi-piece dispenser for confectionary products including a housing defining an inner chamber for storing a multi-piece package of confectionary product including a slot for receiving an end portion of the multi-piece package for dispensing the confectionary product and a retention member for retaining the end portion of the package within the slot for further dispensing.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/316,052 filed Mar. 22, 2010 and U.S. Provisional Application No.61/424,391 filed Dec. 17, 2010, the contents of each which are fullyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a dispenser for use with a consumable product,such as a confectionery product. More specifically, the disclosure isdirected to a dispenser for use with a multi-piece package ofconfectionary product, in particular, chewing gum.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Packaging for consumable products, in particular, confectionaryproducts, such as for example chewing gum, come in all sizes, shapes,and containers depending on the needs and desires of the consumer.Moreover, the marketing of the product has a great influence on theoverall design and appearance of the package. Even though the enjoymentof a confectionary product, i.e., chewing gum, is an individualexperience, it is often shared with others, such as for example, byoffering others a piece of gum or candy.

Chewing gum is often carried by an individual in discrete packageshaving a limited number of pieces. Although the individual packages areconvenient for transporting and storage, the limited piece count andindividual packages make it difficult to share in a space where a numberof individuals are present. Accordingly, it would be desirable to have adispenser that allows individuals the ability to obtain pieces ofchewing gum or other confections for enjoyment, and to be able to sharewith others. Moreover, consumers want flexibility in their packagingwhich can meet the needs of various occasions depending on thesituation.

Alternatively, in many retail locations where chewing gum is sold, it isoften desirable for a consumer to have the ability to purchase a singleor select number of confectionary pieces, instead of purchasing anentire pack. Moreover, many retail locations have limitations on spaceand do not have the ability to stock large quantities of confections.Therefore, it would be desirable to have the ability to easily sell toconsumers a select number of confectionary pieces, depending on thequantity requested by the consumer.

Even though it is desirable to have a dispenser that allows for sharingamong a number of individuals or providing individual pieces that may bepurchased by different consumers, it is critical to ensure that the gumpieces are protected from outside environmental factors. Accordingly, itis desirable to have individual pieces that are sealed, as to preservethe quality and flavor of the confection, while at the same timeprotecting it from the outside environment.

In order to provide a more sustainable dispenser, it is furtherdesirable to consider alternatives for packaging and dispensing ofconsumable products. The ability to refill an outer container ordispenser enables either a retail location or an individual consumer tominimize the amount of waste that is associated with consuming theproducts. In addition, the cost associated with only purchasing refillsinstead of having to purchase more costly outer containers is furtherbenefit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A multi-piece dispenser for confectionary products including a housingdefining an inner chamber for storing a multi-piece package ofconfectionary product. The housing further includes a slot for receivingan end portion of the multi-piece package for dispensing theconfectionary product. A retention member may further be provided forretaining the end portion of the package within the slot for furtherdispensing. Moreover, the retention member may be positioned within theinner chamber of the dispenser. The housing is configured, such that theslot is non-threading for receiving the package within the slot.

The disclosure further includes a multi-piece dispenser forconfectionary products including a housing defining an inner chamber forstoring a multi-piece package of confectionary product. The housingincluding a slot for receiving one end portion of the multi-piecepackage for dispensing the confectionary product. The dispenser furtherincludes a retention member. The retention member may further include atension assembly disposed in the inner chamber of the housing forsecuring another end portion of the multi-piece package within the innerchamber and retaining the other end portion of the package within theslot for further dispensing.

Moreover, the disclosure further includes a multi-piece packagecontaining a plurality of gum pieces, wherein the gum pieces areenclosed within a material and sealed along three sides. Alternatively,the gum pieces may be sealed individually within blister-type packagesthat are interconnected with one another to form a continuous coil orstrip. The package allows for unique dispensing and integration withinan outer housing for dispensing of confectionary products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example, withreference to the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser including a multi-piecepackage in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an alternate view of the dispenser and multi-piece package asshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser and multi-piecepackage as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser and multi-piecepackage in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective partial view of a dispenser and a multi-piecepackage in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance with anotherembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a back perspective view of an alternate embodiment of adispenser, wherein the back wall portion is hingedly attached;

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of adispenser;

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a dispenser in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a dispenser in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 a side view of the dispenser as shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the dispenser as shown in FIG. 12 in anopened position;

FIG. 15 a side view of the dispenser as shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a multi-piece package in accordancewith embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a multi-piece package in accordancewith another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a side perspective view of a dispenser in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the dispenser as shown in FIG.21;

FIG. 23A is perspective view of a portion of the dispenser in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention, wherein another portion has beenremoved to show the interior of the dispenser;

FIG. 23B is a perspective view of another portion of the dispenser thatmay be coupled with the portion in FIG. 23A to provide the dispenser;

FIG. 24 is perspective view of a portion of the dispenser in accordancewith another embodiment of the invention, showing the interior of thedispenser;

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the dispenser as shown in FIG.24, wherein a multi-piece package, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention, has been inserted into the dispenser;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of adispenser;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a portion of the tension assembly inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 28A and 28B are perspective views of components of the couplingmember for use in the dispenser, such as shown in FIG. 25, in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 29A and 29B are perspective views of a dispenser and multi-piecepackage in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a multi-unit dispenser in accordancewith another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a multi-piece dispenser for consumableproducts, such as for example, confectionary products. In one aspect,the multi-piece dispenser may be used for dispensing chewing gum. Thedisclosure further provides alternate embodiments of a dispenser and amulti-piece package, as well as a method for manufacturing themulti-piece package.

The dispenser 10, in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention, includes a housing 14 containing a multi-piece package 12 ofconfectionary product, such as for example chewing gum G. The term“multi-piece package” is herein used to mean a strip-like structurehaving a plurality of individual pieces of gum, wherein each individualpiece of gum is sealed within a material (e.g., film, blister package)and coupled together to form the strip-like structure (i.e., abandoleer). The multi-piece package may have a predefined width andlength. The individual pieces may further be divided by a tear line,such that upon the exertion of force, the individual pieces may beseparated from one another. The multi-piece package may be provided in aroll-like configuration or an accordion style configuration, such asdiscussed in further detail below. Alternate configurations may also beused for packaging and dispensing depending on the type of confectionarybeing used, such as for example, alternate configurations and sizing maybe used depending on if tab, stick or pellet chewing gum is beingpackaged and sold for use with the dispenser. Moreover, the multi-piecepackage may include a variety of individual gum pieces in a number ofdifferent piece counts, such as for example, 25, 30, 60, 90 or anynumber of pieces as desired by the consumer.

Alternatively, the confectionary pieces may be oriented in variousconfigurations relative to one another. As shown, the confectionarypieces may be oriented in a long side/edge orientation. In anotherembodiment, the confectionary pieces may be configured within thepackage such that the short side/edge is leading (i.e., the individualpieces are positioned end to end) within the bandoleer.

Although the Figures and related disclosure are directed to packagingand dispensing of confectionary products, in particular chewing gum, thepresent invention may be directed to various applications, including butnot limited to other consumable products, alternate confectionaryproducts such as mints, candy (including hard, chewy or gummy candy),chocolate and/or any other confectionary. Moreover, alternateconfigurations of the dispenser, such as, for example, those discussedbelow, may be utilized including but not limited to, cube shaped,rectangular shaped, triangular shaped, bean shaped, circular shaped,clam shell shaped, cone shaped, or any other shape suitable for use as adispenser, or combinations thereof. In addition, various combinations ofdispensers may be coupled together, such that a dual (double) or tripledispenser may be provided. Accordingly, the Figures are exemplary andillustrate various aspects of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the dispenser of the present invention may bedesigned to be a refillable dispenser. This allows for the consumer tomaximize the use of the dispenser and to not increase the wasteassociated with discarding the entire dispenser. In another embodiment,the dispenser may not be refillable. In the event that the dispenser isnot refillable, the consumer would discard the dispenser upon using theentire contents of the multi-piece package.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the dispenser has ahousing defining an inner chamber for storing the multi-piece package ofconfectionary product. The housing may further include a plurality ofwall members, as shown in the provided Figures. In one embodiment, thewall members forming the housing may be integrally formed together asone unitary piece or part. Alternatively, in another embodiment the wallmembers may be separately manufactured and then hingedly couple to oneanother and/or fit together upon assembly (i.e., such as a lid or othertype configuration). Alternatively, in another embodiment, variousmanufacturing and assembly methods may be used for the assembly of thewalls to form the housing. Accordingly, the housing of the presentdisclosure may be configured in alternate ways depending on thematerials used for assembly of the dispenser. Moreover, the wall membersmay further include structural elements, including for example, but notlimited to elements (i.e., ribs) to enhance or increase strength and/ordecrease thickness of the wall members.

In general, the dispenser may be formed of various materials, includingfor example but not limited to, plastic or plastic-like material, moldedpulp, paperboard, cardboard, any other paper based compositions, metalor metal alloys, composites, any other alternate suitable materials, orcombinations thereof as recognized by one of skill in the art. Theplastic or plastic-like material may be selected from those materialsthat may be injection moldable, including for example, but not limitedto polypropylene and/or polyethylene.

In accordance with one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the dispenser10 includes a housing 14 that is generally cube-shaped having aplurality of wall members 18 defining an inner chamber 16. As previouslysuggested, the wall members 18 may be integrally formed as a unitarypiece. As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 14 further includes a top wallmember 18′, a bottom wall member (not shown) and side walls members 18″integrally formed as one unitary piece. Additional, wall members 18″′are provided to form the entire housing 14 upon assembly. The wallmembers 18″′ may be separately manufactured components, such as forexample, end caps (as shown in FIG. 1). In another embodiment, at leastone wall members 18″′ may be integrally formed with the other wallmembers 18′ and 18″. Moreover, in another embodiment, at least one wallmember 18″′ may be hingedly attached, H, along one side to the housing14, such as illustrated in FIG. 2, therein providing access to innerchamber 16. In another embodiment, alternate wall members may behingedly attached, depending on the design of the housing 14. Thehingedly attached wall members may be coupled through the use of amechanical hinge or living hinge, either molded out of plastic orthrough the use of other mechanical type components. Moreover, inanother embodiment (not shown), the housing 14 may be folded out ofpaperboard, such that all of the wall members are integrally connectedto one another as required to achieve a foldable cube-likeconfiguration. As a result, the folded paperboard edges may act as ahinge-like member. In accordance with one embodiment, the layout for thehousing 14 may be punch stamped from a paperboard material, and thenassembled, thereby forming the dispenser.

Upon the assembly of the dispenser, a slot 20 may be defined by thehousing 14 therein allowing an end portion 22 of the multi-piece package12 to be disposed outside of the housing 14 for access by a consumer.“End portion” is herein used to mean the end of the multi-piece packagethat remains accessible to the consumer when the multi-piece package isconfigured for packaging, such as for example, in a rolled or accordiontype configuration. The length (l) of the slot 20 is shaped to reflectthe general width (w) of the multi-piece package 12, such that thepackage may be readily provided through slot 20. In general, the slot 20is configured to receive the end portion 22 of the multi-piece package12 for continued consumer use. As the consumer removes individual piecesfrom the end portion 22 of the package 12, the package 12 may be pulledand a remaining portion 24 of the package 12 is advanced through theslot 20. The remaining portion 24 of the package 12 remains disposed inthe inner chamber 16 of the housing, as can be seen in FIG. 2. The sizeand shape of the slot 20 may be altered or specifically dimensioneddepending on the design of the multi-piece package 12, such as forexample, for different forms of gum, i.e., stick, tab, pellet, any otheralternate forms, configurations of the confectionary pieces (e.g., sideto side or end to end) or other combinations thereof.

The slot 20 may further define an opening 26 that defines an accessportion 28 for inserting package 12 into the slot 20. As a result, thedispenser and corresponding package is non-threading. “Non-threading” isherein used to mean that the package is inserted directly into the slotthrough a side opening and as a result does not have to be insertedthrough the entire length (l) of the slot from the inner chamber. As aresult the end portion 22 of package 12 is easily positioned within slot20 for continued use.

A retention member 30 may be further disposed within housing 14 forretaining the multi-piece package within the slot 20 for continueddispensing and/or access. In accordance with one embodiment, theretention member 30 is integrally formed within the housing 14.Moreover, in one embodiment, the retention member 30 includes at leastone retention tab 32 for retaining a portion of the multi-piece package12. In another embodiment, the retention member 30 includes tworetention tabs 32 for retaining a portion of the multi-piece package. Inone aspect, the retention tab(s) 32 may be coupled to the interiorsurface of the housing along the length (l) of the slot 20. In anembodiment, the retention tab(s) 32 may be integrally formed as part ofthe slot 20. The retention tab(s) 32 may be provided at a predefinedangle relative to the slot and/or housing, such that multi-piece packageis retained within the slot and does not fall back into the innerchamber 16 of the housing 14. As further illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4,the retention tab(s) 32 in combination with the slot 20 therein definean access channel 34. The access channel 34 may further be definedthrough the angling of the retention tabs 32, therein providing anarrower inlet portion 36 compared to the outlet portion 38 definingslot 20 on the external surface of the housing. The narrow inlet portion36 ensures that the multi-piece package does not re-enter the innerchamber of the dispenser and is retained in position relative to theslot 20. Alternate embodiments of the retention tabs and relatedorientations to one another may be used depending on the size of themulti-piece package and the overall dimensions of the slot 20. Moreover,the retention tabs may be angled at varying degrees and usedindividually or in combination with one another to retain themulti-piece package 12. Different orientations of retention member 30,in particular retention tab(s) 32, to slot 20 may be used depending onthe configuration of the multi-piece package 12, such as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4 (i.e., a roll assembly or an accordion assembly).Alternatively, the retention tab(s) may be formed as part of the outerdispenser to properly align the multi-piece package within thedispenser. The size and angling of the retention tab(s) may be altereddepending on the type, size and shape of the confectionary provided inthe multi-piece package. As discussed in more detail below, at least oneof the retention tabs may be made of a material that provides a relativeamount of “flex” such that one or more retention tabs may move slightlyupon pressure being applied by the package.

Upon the dispensing of the gum pieces G, the individual gum pieces maybe separated (i.e., torn) from the remaining multi-piece package 12, sothat the gum pieces may be used by the consumer and the remainingportion of the multi-piece package 12 is retained by the dispenser 10.As shown in FIG. 5, in an alternate embodiment, a tear member 40 mayfurther be provided in connection with housing 14 to assist inseparating the gum pieces along a tear line provided between each of theindividual compartments containing at least one gum piece G. The tearmember 40 may be integrally formed with the housing. The tear member 40may be disposed on the housing, such as for example, on wall member 18′,as shown in FIG. 5. Alternate locations and relative positions of tearmember 40 may be further provided depending on the design of thedispenser. The tear member may further be configured to have differentsizes, shapes or orientations depending on the design of the dispenserand the multi-piece package. Although not shown, the tear member mayfurther be included on any embodiment of the dispenser considered.

As previously, suggested, alternate embodiments of the dispenser may beused. Accordingly, the above-mentioned components of dispenser 10 madebe used either individually or in combination with alternate embodimentsof the dispenser. As previously suggested, alternate configurations ofpackage 12 may be used, such as foil wrapped packaging or blister-typepackaging, for use in connection with tab, stick, pellet, sphere, oralternate gum form pieces.

Alternate embodiments of the dispenser may further include a housingcomprised of a plurality of portions that are coupled together andfurther define an inner chamber. In one embodiment, the dispenser mayinclude a cube or cube-like dispenser 110, as shown in FIG. 6, thatincludes a portion 111 and a portion 113 that a hingedly H coupledtogether to form housing 114 defining inner chamber 116. Upon closingportion 111 and portion 113, slot 120 may be defined for receiving theend portion of the multi-piece package. The slot 120 is non-threading.Retention tab(s) 132 may further be disposed along the length (l) of theslot. In one embodiment, the retention tab(s) 132 are each integrallyformed each portion 111 and 113, respectively. When portion 111 andportion 113 are joined to form dispenser 110, a retention member 130 isformed through the combination of retention tabs 132.

Alternate embodiments of the present invention further include adispenser having a triangular or pyramidal shape, as well as othershapes/configurations, as further illustrated by dispensers 210, and 310in FIGS. 7-11.

The triangular or pyramid shaped dispenser 210 may be used incombination with the multi-piece package 12 previously discussed. Inaccordance with one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7-10, dispenser 210includes a housing 214 defining an inner chamber 216 for storing themulti-piece package of confectionary products, i.e., chewing gum. Aplurality of wall members 218 may be used in combination to form thehousing 214. The wall members 218 may be integrally formed as oneunitary piece or separately manufactured for assembly. For example, asshown in FIG. 7, wall 218 may be a separate end cap or hingedly coupledto form the housing 214. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, back wall218″ may be hingedly coupled to form housing 214. More specifically, asshown in FIG. 9, dispenser 210 may further include a hinge (H) whereinwall member 218″ may be hingedly attached or coupled to wall member 218.Accordingly, wall member 218″ may be de-coupled (i.e., separated) fromwall member 218′ along line (L), therein providing access to innerchamber 216. Each of these configurations allow for the consumer toreadily access inner chamber 216 for placement of the package (notshown) within the dispenser.

Depending on the design of the dispenser, different walls may beseparated or hingedly coupled to allow access to the inner chamber 216.A slot 220 is further provided for receiving the end portion of themulti-piece package of confectionary. A tear member 240 may further beprovided in connection with housing 214. As seen in more detail in FIGS.9 and 10, alternate embodiments of retention member 230 may be provided,for retaining the multi-piece package in position. As shown in FIG. 9,the retention member may further include separate retention tabs 232defining an access channel 234 having an inlet portion 236 and an outletportion 238. Alternatively, one retention tab 232 may be provided inconnection with a wall portion 218″ to form access channel 234, as shownin FIG. 10. The use of one retention tab minimizes the additionalcomponents that are required and utilizes an interior portion of a wallmember to further retain the package within the dispenser. As previouslydiscussed, the retention tabs are designed to retain the package withinthe access channel 234 leading to slot 220, such that the package doesnot fall back within inner chamber 216.

Depending on the design of the dispenser, the retention tabs may furtherinclude at least one slight curvature to facilitate the relativemovement of the package into the access channel 234. As further shown inFIG. 10, retention tab 232 may have further include a curved portion 233that allows the package to readily glide around the end of retention tab232, such that the package or confectionary pieces do not get caught onthe end of the retention tab.

An alternate embodiment of the dispenser 310 is shown in FIG. 11,wherein a modified circular or tear-drop shaped outer dispenser isprovided. The dispenser 310 includes housing 314 defined by at least oneouter wall 318, and side walls (not shown). At least one side wall (notshown) may be removed to allow access by the consumer to the innerchamber 316. As previously discussed, a single retention tab 332 may beprovided in combination with the inner surface of the outer wall 318 toform retention member 330. The retention tab 332 further includes acurved portion 333 that facilitates the movement of the package (notshown) within the dispenser 310 and through slot 320. An additionalguide member 334 may be integrated within the inner chamber 316 of thehousing 314. The guide member 334 is provided to prevent the packagefrom becoming caught on retention member 332 within curved portion 333.Guide member 334 may be designed in different lengths, forms orconfiguration to facilitate the movement of the package within thedispenser.

Additional embodiments of the dispenser may further include alternateslot configurations. Such alternate slot configurations providedadditional access to the multi-piece package by the consumer or providedalternate methods for tearing the individual pieces from the multi-piecepackage.

Another embodiment of the present invention may include a dispenser 510having a multi-piece configuration (such as, for example, the beanshaped configuration), wherein the pieces are hingedly connected to oneanother, as further illustrated in FIGS. 12-15. As an example, the beanshaped dispenser 510 may be used in combination with the multi-piecepackage 12 as previously discussed. Accordingly, dispenser 510 includesa housing 514 defining an inner chamber 516 (as shown in FIGS. 14 and15) for storing the multi-piece package of confectionary products, i.e.,chewing gum. A plurality of wall members 518 may be used in combinationto form the housing 514. The wall members 518 may be integrally formedas one unitary piece or separately manufactured for assembly. Moreparticularly, in one embodiment, dispenser 510 may further include aside portion 511, a side portion 513, and a base portion 515. Portions511 and 513 may be hingedly attached (H) to base portion 515. The baseportion 515 is stationary, whereas portions 511 and 513 move relative tothe base portion thereby providing access to the inner chamber, asillustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. A slot 520 is further provided forreceiving the end portion of the multi-piece package of confectionary. Aretention member 530 may be provided, as partially shown in FIG. 12within slot 520, for retaining the multi-piece package in position. Theretention member may further include retention tabs 532, as furtherillustrated in FIG. 14. Although not illustrated, a tear member mayfurther be provided in connection with the bean shaped dispenser.

In another embodiment, dispenser 610 may further be provided in acube-like configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 16. The dispenser 610includes a housing 614 defining an inner chamber 616. The housing 614further includes a top portion 611 and a bottom portion 613. The topportion 611 may be hingedly attached to bottom portion 613, oralternatively may be a separate portion that is detachably coupled. Thetop portion 611 further defines a slot 620 for receiving and retainingthe multi-piece package. Alternate openings may be integrated within thedispenser or slot opening (e.g., for a finger to place through) forfurther assisting the consumer in accessing the end portion of amulti-piece package. For example, the slot 620 may further include acontact opening 642 for further assisting the consumer in accessing theend portion of a multi-piece package. At least one retention tab 632 maybe further included to assist in retaining the multi-piece package. Theretainer tab 632 (although not wholly visible) may be integrally formedwith top portion 611. Openings 650 may further be provided by bottomportion 613. Openings 650 may be used for display purposes, such asdisplaying a design provided on the multi-piece package, or to allow thecustomer to access the multi-piece package through the openings 650.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, dispenser 710 may further beprovided in a clam-shell configuration. The dispenser 710 includes ahousing 714 defining an inner chamber 716. The inner chamber 716 is openon the sides and allows the consumer to readily view the multi-piecepackage stored within the inner chamber 716. An alternate configurationmay further provide an enclosed claim-shell design. Dispenser 710further includes a portion 711 and a portion 713 hingedly attached (H)to one another. The combination of portion 711 and portion 713 form slot720 for receiving and retaining the multi-piece package. Although notshown, a retention member, including at least one retention tab, may beintegrated and used in connection with slot 720.

Furthermore, in an alternate embodiment, dispenser 810 is provided in acircular or ring shaped configuration. In one embodiment the dispenser810 may be hollow in the center, therein providing a ring shapedconfiguration. Alternatively, the dispenser may have full formed sideportions, as shown in FIG. 18, therein providing a circular shapedconfiguration. Moreover, in another embodiment, a circular dispenser maybe provided. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention,dispenser 810 includes a housing 814 defining an inner chamber (notshown). The housing 814 further includes a body portion 811 and a sideportion 813. The side portion 813 may be hingedly coupled to bodyportion 811, or alternatively may be a separate portion that engaginglycouples to the body portion 811. The body portion 811 further defines aslot 820 for receiving and retaining the multi-piece package. The sideportion 813 is provided to enclose housing 814 and secure themulti-piece package within the dispenser 810.

As previously discussed, the present invention is directed to adispenser for use with a multi-piece package. Moreover, the disclosurerelates to the multi-piece package and the method of manufacturing themulti-piece package for dispensing. Overall, the multi-piece package isdirected to a strip-like structure containing a plurality of individualpieces of confectionary product, in particular, chewing gum. Theindividual pieces of gum may be separately sealed but are coupledtogether to form the multi-piece package, also referred to as abandoleer. In order to separate the individual pieces from one another,a tear line T may be provided, such as those shown in FIGS. 19 and 20.As can be seen in FIG. 19, the multi-piece package 12 includesindividual gum pieces G that enclosed by a material 13, such as forexample, a film that is used to seal the gum pieces. Alternative, thegum pieces may be enclosed in individual blister-type packages that arecoupled together to form a roll-like bandoleer (as shown, for example,in FIG. 21-22, 25). Each of the individual gum pieces are separated by atear line T. The tear lines may be perforated along the entire length ofthe tear line or just a portion thereof. Alternatively, tear notches T′may be provided along the tear line, such that a tear member (i.e., tearmember 40 shown in FIG. 5) may further assist in separating theindividual pieces from one another. Alternatively, the tear notch T′ maybe offset from the tear line T, such that the individual gum pieces maybe separated from one another and then a tear notch is provided withinthe package to open the package. In general, the tear notch T′ may beprovided throughout various locations of the package for opening thepackage. Alternatively, a consumer may easily tear the individual piecesapart based on either the perforated tear line T, as shown in FIG. 19,or the additional tear notches T′ provided on the ends of the individualwrapped pieces, as shown in FIG. 20. Although FIGS. 19 and 20 show theindividual gum pieces coupled together on the length of the gum pieces,alternate configurations are considered, such that the tear line isrepositioned and the gum pieces are placed end to end within thepackage.

Alternate embodiments of the dispenser may further include those shownhaving a blister-type multi-piece package, as shown for example in FIGS.21-30. As can be seen throughout the Figures, dispenser 1110 may beconfigured to retain a multi-piece package 1112 designed to encloseindividual pieces of pellet-type gum forms within individual blisterpackages P. The individual gum pieces are providing in package 1112 maybe separated by a tear line T. Alternatively, each of the gum piecescould be manually separated by a consumer through mechanically severing(i.e., cutting) the pieces apart. In accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention, dispenser 1110 includes a housing 1114 having a bodyportion 1111 and a side portion 1113 (alternately, the side portion 1113may be considered the top portion depending on the orientation of thedispenser, and the body portion may be considered the bottom portion).The body portion 1111 and side portion 1113 may be coupled together toform an inner chamber 1116, as partially shown for example in FIGS.23-25. Body portion 1111 and side portion 1113 may be coupled togetherthrough any type of coupling mechanism, including for example, but notlimited to, a snap-fit configuration, an interlocking mechanism, a hookand loop mechanism or any other type known by one of ordinary skill inthe art. Alternatively, side portion 1113 may be hingedly connected tobody portion 1111, as previously described in relation to otherconfigurations of dispensers.

In accordance with an embodiment, as shown more specifically in FIGS.23A and 23B, body portion 1111 is further defined by an outer wall 1118and bottom surface 1119 therein providing an inner chamber 1116.Additional support members 1121 may be integrated within the bodyportion 1111 to further reinforce the structure and increase rigidity.Alternate support members may also be provided depending on the designof the dispenser 1110. The support members may further be configured toreflect the configuration of the package 1112 or help facilitatemovement of package 1112 within inner chamber 1116, as more clearlyshown in FIG. 25.

Dispenser 1110 may further include a hanging member 1123 to enable thedispenser to be hung in various location or positions or secured inposition (either to a wall, counter, or any other location that would beconvenient to consumers or retail locations). The hanging member 1123may have alternate configurations depending on the design of thedispenser. Moreover the dispenser 1110 may be secured in position byeither a fastener (such as for example, screws/nails), a hooks/loop typemechanism or any other type of coupling or securing mechanism that isknown by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, body portion 1111 andside portion 1113, as shown for example in FIGS. 23A and 23B, may becoupled together to form dispenser 1110. As previously suggested, sideportion 1113 and body portion 1111 may be secured either though asnap-fit, locking or any other type of connection means known by one ofordinary skill in the art (such as for example, incorporating connectionmembers 1125 in side portion 1113 for engagement with receiving portions1127 provided by body portion 1111). As a result, side portion 1113 andbody portion 1111 may be separated for refilling of the dispenser andthen subsequently reconnected. Moreover, side portion 1113 may furtherinclude alignment members 1128 that further help guide or align sideportion 1113 with body portion 1111 prior to attachment of the twoportions together.

As previously discussed, a slot 1120 may be integrated as part of bodyportion 1111 allowing package 1112 to extend outside of the housing 1114resulting in end portion 1122 of package 1112 being readily accessibleto either a consumer or vendor. Alternate placements of slot 1120 may beconsidered within housing 1114 depending on the needs of the consumerand for manufacturing capabilities. Slot 1120 may be configured asthreaded (as shown in FIGS. 23-25) but alternatively the slot may benon-threaded in accordance with the previously described embodiments.

Dispenser 1110 may further include a retention member as previouslydisclosed in relation to alternate embodiments wherein various retentionmembers (although not shown) may be integrated with the slot 1120 tofurther support and retain package 1112 within the dispenser 1110. Asshown in FIGS. 23A, 24-25, the retention member may further includeguide members 1131 to further facilitate the movement of package 1112into slot 1120. Alternate configurations of guide members 1131, althoughnot shown, may further include for example, flexible members that allowfor flexing of the member 1131 relative to the package, as well as theincorporation of foam or other related materials that would provide thedesired amount of friction and guidance but not inhibit the movement ofthe package within the inner chamber 1116. Each of these elements couldbe integrated within either body portion 1111 or side portion 1113depending on the design and functionality of the dispenser 1110.

In a further embodiment, the retention member of dispenser 1110 mayfurther include a tension assembly 1150, as can be seen for example inFIGS. 24-26. The tension assembly 1150 may be further provided to ensurethat the package 1112, as shown in FIG. 25, is retained within the innerchamber 1116 of dispenser 1110 and does not inadvertently extend beyondthe slot 1120 an amount which is desired by the consumer. Although thetension assembly 1150 may be placed in various locations within theinner chamber 1116 or oriented in alternate configurations withindispenser 1114, it is desirable to have the tension assembly 1150positioned in a relatively central location within inner chamber 1116 tooptimize the coiling of the package 1112 as seen in FIG. 25. The tensionassembly 1150 may further include an outer portion 1151, a couplingmember 1152 and a securing assembly 1153.

As suggested, and in accordance with an embodiment, the tension assembly1150 may be designed to couple and secure the package 1112 to dispenser1110 while maintaining the preferable coiling of package 1112 withininner chamber 1116 (as more specifically shown in FIG. 25). As can beseen in FIGS. 25 and 26, the tension assembly includes an outer body1151 that secures the components of the tension assembly 1150 to thedispenser 1110 while coupling package 1112 to the overall tensionassembly 1150. An alternate embodiment of the outer body 1151, as moreshown in more detail in FIG. 27, may further include a tongue/grooveconfiguration (i.e., teeth-like members) on the bottom 1155 to interfacewith a corresponding portion 1156 of the bottom surface 1119 of bodyportion 1111 (as shown in FIG. 23A). The corresponding teeth andrelative interaction between the bottom 1155 of outer body 1151 oftension assembly 1150 and portion 1156 increases the friction betweenthe dispenser and the tension assembly 1150 to further control themovement of the tension assembly 1150 relative to the housing 1114, inparticular body portion 1111.

The tension assembly 1150 further includes a coupling member 1152. Asshown in FIGS. 24-26. The coupling member 1152 may be integrated as partof the outer body 1151 of tension assembly 1150. The coupling member1152 is used to interconnect the package 1112 to the tension assembly1150, therein securing the package coil within the inner chamber 1116 ofdispenser 1110. As shown in FIG. 25, in accordance with one embodiment,the last blister P fits within the coupling member and is thereforeretained in position due to the design of the coupling member. Analternate configuration may be further considered wherein an extensionmember 1158 and coupler 1160 (as shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B) may be usedfor coupling the package 1112 to tension assembly 1150. The extensionmember 1158, as shown for example in FIG. 28A, provides a connection end1159 for coupling to a slot 1162 integrated within the outer body 1151of tension assembly 1150, as shown for example, in FIG. 27. Depending onthe design of the outer body 1151, multiple slots 1162 may be formed.The opposite end of extension member 1158 further provides a connectionend 1161 that allows for connection to the coupler 1160. Receiving slot1163 is formed at one end of the coupler 1160, such that connection end1161 of extension member 1158 is received within slot 1163 thereinsecuring the extension member 1158 to coupler 1160. Opening 1164 ofcoupler 1160 allows for the end of a package 1112 to be retained by thecoupler 1160 such that the last blister of the package 1112 is heldwithin receptacle 1165. Alternate configurations of coupling member 1152may be used depending on the design of the dispenser 1110. Althoughplastic or plastic-derived materials are preferred for the design,various materials may be used to form each of these components,including but not limited to plastic, paperboard or other semi-durabletype materials that are known by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As previously suggested, a securing assembly 1153 is further provided aspart of the tension assembly 1150. As seen in FIGS. 24-26, in particularFIG. 26, the securing assembly 1153 is one example of how to secure thetension assembly 1150 to body portion 1111, but alternate configurationsof the securing assembly are contemplated within the scope of theinvention. The securing assembly 1153 attaches the body portion 1111 ofdispenser 1110 to package 1112. In accordance with one embodiment, asseen in the provided Figures, securing assembly 1153 includes aconnection member 1170 (such as for example, a screw) provided throughthe bottom surface 1119 of body portion 1111 into inner chamber 1116 andthrough the center of outer portion 1151 of tension assembly 1150. Aspring or spring-like member 1171 may be positioned over the connectionmember 1170 and a securing member 1173 (such as for example, a wing nut)is positioned over the spring to interconnect and retain all of thecomponents of the securing assembly 1153. Although specific componentsof the securing assembly have been described and shown, alternatecomponents having similar or equivalent functionality may be used tosecure the tension assembly 1150 within dispenser 1110.

Alternate configurations of dispenser 1110 may further provide otherfunctional elements to be incorporated within the outer surface of thehousing 1114 of the dispenser 1110. Such elements would include, forexample but are not limited to, a clock or any other type of displaylike window or area that would allow a retailer to use the dispenser foradditional purposes.

Another embodiment of the present invention further includes analternate form of a dispenser 1210, as shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B.Accordingly, one embodiment may further provide a hand-held or personalconfiguration that incorporates a blister package. In accordance withone of the embodiments of the present invention, the handheld dispenser1210 would include a coil-like configuration of a blister package 1212and an opening 1220 that would allow for a consumer to access orwithdraw a single blister. The opening 1220 could be defined by either aportion 1214 a of the housing 1214 configured to either slide into thehousing 1214 or be hingedly connected to the housing 1214. The hand-heldconfiguration allows for increased sharing among individuals while atthe same time maintaining freshness of the product enclosed within theblister package.

In another embodiment, the present invention further includes amulti-unit dispenser 1300, as shown in FIG. 30, wherein separatedispensers 1310 a, 1310 b, and 1310 c may be coupled together orintegrated with one another to form a dispenser that has multipledifferent packages 1312 a, 1312 b, and 1312 c. The multi-unit dispensermay be used to dispense different confectionary products either havingdifferent forms, flavors, or any other combinations. Accordingly, as anexample, one dispenser could include a package for stick gum, whileanother dispenser includes gum in pellet form, and an additionaldispenser could include an alternate confectionary product.Alternatively, as shown, each of the dispensers could include differentpellet blister-type packages that have different flavors or productswithin the packages. The multi-unit dispenser may include at least onehousing having individual slots for the separate packages oralternatively multiple housings may be provided that are coupledtogether, as known by one of ordinary skill in the art. Although FIG. 30shows three individual dispensers coupled together, such representationis exemplary by nature and alternate numbers of dispensers and packagesmay be integrated together depending on the desired form of themulti-unit dispenser. Moreover, the multi-unit dispenser may be providedin alternate shapes and sizes depending on the desired configuration ofthe dispenser.

The present invention further includes a method for manufacturing themulti-piece package of confectionary product. The multi-piece packageincludes a three-sided sealed configuration. Accordingly, a piece ofmaterial is provided having a predefined width and length. The materialmay include any type of material that creates an adequate barrier forprotecting the confection product inside. Moreover, the material mustalso exhibit attributes, such as for example, being sealable, tearable,printable and cost effective. As a result, the material may include butis not limited to, the use of orientated polypropylene film. The pieceof material is divided (although not physically divided) in half by acentral line thereby dividing the material into two halves. A pluralityof gum pieces are positioned on one half, such that each of the ends ofthe individual gum pieces are disposed adjacent to the central line ofthe film. The gum pieces are separated by a predetermined distance alongthe length of the film. Once the gum pieces are positioned, the otherhalf (that does not have the gum pieces) is folded about the centralline such that the folded half is placed on top of the half of the filmthat includes the individual chewing gum pieces. Subsequently, thematerial is sealed about the length and width of the material andbetween each of the individual gum pieces, such that the gum pieces havea three-sided seal. The fourth side is formed by the folding of thematerial about the central line. As a result a multi-piece package iscreated including individual pieces of gum having a three sided seal.The multi-piece package may then be used in connection with any of thevarious embodiments of the dispenser previously disclosed.

While the invention has been described with respect to certain preferredembodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it isto be understood that the invention is capable of numerous changes,modifications and rearrangements, and such changes, modifications andrearrangements are intended to be covered by the following claims.Moreover, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of thepresent invention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and various modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodimentswere chosen and described in order to explain the principles of theinvention and its practical application, to thereby enable othersskilled in the art to utilize the invention and various embodiments withvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.The invention has been described in great detail in the foregoingspecification, and it is believed that various alterations andmodifications of the invention will become apparent to those skilled inthe art from a reading and understanding of the specification. It isintended that all such alterations and modifications are included in theinvention, insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claimsappended hereto and their equivalents.

All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left,right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical,horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used foridentification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the presentinvention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to theposition, orientation, or use of the invention. Joinder references(e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construedbroadly and may include intermediate members between a connection ofelements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinderreferences do not necessarily infer that two elements are directlyconnected and in fixed relation to each other. It is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting.Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from thespirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

1. A multi-piece dispenser for confectionary products, the dispensercomprising: a housing defining an inner chamber for storing amulti-piece package of a confectionary product, the housing including aslot for receiving an end portion of the multipiece package fordispensing the confectionary product; and a retention member disposedwithin the housing for retaining the end portion of the package withinthe slot for further dispensing.
 2. The dispenser of claim 1, whereinthe housing and the slot are integrally formed.
 3. The dispenser ofclaim 1, wherein the slot further includes an opening defining an accessportion for inserting an end portion of the package within the slot. 4.The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the slot is non-threading.
 5. Thedispenser of claim 1, wherein the housing is further defined by aplurality of wall members.
 6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein at leastone wall or a portion thereof is removable for accessing the innerchamber.
 7. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein at least one wall memberis hingedly attached to the housing for providing access to the innerchamber.
 8. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the retention memberintegrally formed as part of the housing.
 9. The dispenser of claim 1,wherein the retention member further includes at least one retention tabfor retaining a portion of the multi-piece package.
 10. The dispenser ofclaim 1, wherein a first retention tab and a second retention tab areconnected to the slot to define an access channel.
 11. The dispenser ofclaim 1, wherein the housing further includes a first portion and secondportion that are hingedly coupled together, therein allowing access tothe inner chamber.
 12. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein the housingfurther includes a base portion that is hingely coupled to the firstportion and the second portion, wherein the base portion is stationaryand the first and second portion move relative to the base portionthereby providing access to the inner chamber.
 13. The dispenser ofclaim 12, wherein the first and second portions are coupled together toform the slot.
 14. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the multi-piecepackage of confectionary product comprises a plurality of gum piecesdisposed within a material, each gum piece is separated by a tear lineto form a plurality of individual packages that are securely coupledtogether.
 15. The dispenser of claim 1, further including a tear membercoupled to the housing for separating the multi-piece package intoindividual pieces.
 16. A multi-piece dispenser for confectionaryproducts, the dispenser comprising: a housing defining an inner chamberfor storing a multi-piece package of confectionary product, the housingincluding a slot for receiving a first end portion of the multi-piecepackage for dispensing the confectionary product; and a retention memberfurther including a tension assembly disposed in the inner chamber ofthe housing for securing the second end portion of the multi-piecepackage within the inner chamber and retaining the first end portion ofthe package within the slot for further dispensing.
 17. The dispenser ofclaim 16, wherein the housing includes a first portion and a secondportion that are coupled together.
 18. The dispenser of claim 16,wherein the slot is integrally formed within the first portion of thehousing.
 19. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the tension assemblyfurther includes an outer body, a coupling member and securing assemblyfor securing the second end portion of the multi-piece package withinthe inner chamber and retaining the first end portion of the packagewithin the slot for further dispensing.
 20. The dispenser of claim 16,wherein a bottom surface of the outer body of the tension assemblyengages a corresponding bottom surface of the first portion of thehousing to provide additional friction in rotation of the tensionassembly within the inner chamber.
 21. The dispenser of claim 16,wherein the package is a blister package comprised of a strip ofinterconnected individual blister packs.
 22. The dispenser of claim 21,wherein the individual blister packs are separated by a tear line. 23.The dispenser of claim 22, wherein the tear line is perforated.
 24. Thedispenser of claim 16, further including a hanging member attached tothe housing of the dispenser.
 25. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein theretention member further includes guide members for guiding the packagethrough the slot.
 26. A method of manufacturing a multi-piece package ofconfectionary product comprising: providing a piece of film materialhaving a predefined length and width and a central axis dividing thefilm into a first half and a second half; positioning a plurality of gumpieces on the first half of the film, wherein each gum piece is disposedadjacent to the central axis of the film separated by a predetermineddistance along the length of the film material; folding the second halfof the film material about the central axis such that the second half isplaced over the first half of the film therein covering the plurality ofgum pieces; sealing the film material about the length and width of thematerial and between each of the gum pieces, such that each of the gumpieces are sealed therein forming a multi-piece confectionary package.